| Indiana (USA) Kingdom Halls of Jehovah's Witnesses: |
| Studies show us that the more sexually repressed the religion, the more child sexual abuse occurs among its members. Phillip Garrido, for example, who kidnapped Jaycee Dugard and held her as a sex slave for 18 years, was a Jehovah Witness minister. Police were only alerted when he tried to take the babies that he fathered with Jaycee onto a University campus to preach and distribute Watchtower magazines. Do you want these people on your private property, knocking on your door, talking to your children? |
Even especially prominent JW Representatives, like
Robert Edinger, of Bedford (Mitchell Kingdom Hall),
for example, repeatedly intoxicated his son with alcohol at
the age of 14 or younger, following years of stripping him
and beating him. That son survived, however, earned a
PHD in Religion at the University of Southern California,
and is now fighting back, especially because my father is
taking advantage of the fact that my mom has Alzheimer's
and cannot express her wishes clearly. After a lifetime of
being an attentive son to my mother, now, when she has
Alzheimer's and can no longer defend her wishes, my
father capitalizes on this and keeps me away from her,
because I am not a JW. I have come to realize now, at
the age of 54, that child abuse among Jehovah's
Witnesses lasts a lifetime. And this web site represents
the expression of a lot of hostility over a lot of stupidity
of those in power in this organization with their proud
egos, not even taking into consideration the consequences
of these failed policies that tear families apart, if not
sooner, then later. Many family members of JWs suffer,
and we need solidarity in order to face these challenges.
Robert Edinger, of Bedford (Mitchell Kingdom Hall),
for example, repeatedly intoxicated his son with alcohol at
the age of 14 or younger, following years of stripping him
and beating him. That son survived, however, earned a
PHD in Religion at the University of Southern California,
and is now fighting back, especially because my father is
taking advantage of the fact that my mom has Alzheimer's
and cannot express her wishes clearly. After a lifetime of
being an attentive son to my mother, now, when she has
Alzheimer's and can no longer defend her wishes, my
father capitalizes on this and keeps me away from her,
because I am not a JW. I have come to realize now, at
the age of 54, that child abuse among Jehovah's
Witnesses lasts a lifetime. And this web site represents
the expression of a lot of hostility over a lot of stupidity
of those in power in this organization with their proud
egos, not even taking into consideration the consequences
of these failed policies that tear families apart, if not
sooner, then later. Many family members of JWs suffer,
and we need solidarity in order to face these challenges.
| Adult Survivors of Jehovah Witness Child Abuse |
Jehovah Witnesses invade private property with no permission of any kind, by surprise,
sometimes when you are not at home. Often, they solicit home bible studies with children.
Sometimes, they come to visit when you are away from your home and unable to protect your
family. They have all of Bloomington, Bedford, and Mitchell, Indiana mapped out into
territories for door-to-door canvassing, hoping to be invited to a return visit.
The law does nothing to stop this invasion of your private property, since it is considered to
be within their 1st amendment rights to solicit our conversions. The only recourse that you
have is to notify them that you do not want to be called on and then they will put you on their
Do Not Call list. Inform them that Jehovah Witnesses are not allowed on your property. Only
by having notified them will you be able to put legal force behind your no trespassing sign.
We urge you to do this as soon as possible. Protect your children! Tell the Jehovah Witness
representatives listed on the right, or the number in your local phone book, that under no
circumstances do you want them to call at your home!
sometimes when you are not at home. Often, they solicit home bible studies with children.
Sometimes, they come to visit when you are away from your home and unable to protect your
family. They have all of Bloomington, Bedford, and Mitchell, Indiana mapped out into
territories for door-to-door canvassing, hoping to be invited to a return visit.
The law does nothing to stop this invasion of your private property, since it is considered to
be within their 1st amendment rights to solicit our conversions. The only recourse that you
have is to notify them that you do not want to be called on and then they will put you on their
Do Not Call list. Inform them that Jehovah Witnesses are not allowed on your property. Only
by having notified them will you be able to put legal force behind your no trespassing sign.
We urge you to do this as soon as possible. Protect your children! Tell the Jehovah Witness
representatives listed on the right, or the number in your local phone book, that under no
circumstances do you want them to call at your home!
| We, those of us who had this fearsome and violent ideology thrust upon us in our infancy, we are the principal victims of this fossilized, anachronistic, destructive, and dangerous philosophy of idolatry of self that the JWs try to force with violence upon silent lambs. The Jehovah's Witnesses organization is built on fear, not truth, fear of the almighty warrior god Jehovah, fear of the end of the world, fear of one's neighbors or classmates, or most of all, displeasing the elders, being spied upon, the threat of being outcast and unable to even socialize with one's own mother. Much worse, however, is that they go door-to-door trying to scare us, bothering us when we are trying to enjoy a family meal or getting ready for work. They want you to be afraid as well, so that you will donate to their cause. |
| If you have any information about child sexual abuse among Jehovah Witnesses, it is your legal duty to report it to your local law enforcement agency. Please report it to us as well at: info@jwchildabuse.com |
A Kingdom Hall is a place of worship used by Jehovah's Witnesses. The term was first suggested in 1935 by Joseph
Franklin Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, for a building in Hawaii. Rutherford's reasoning was that
these buildings would be used for preaching the "good news of the Kingdom." Jehovah's Witnesses use Kingdom Halls for
the majority of their worship and Bible instruction.
Witnesses prefer the term "Kingdom Hall" over "church", noting that the term often translated "church" in the Bible refers
to the congregation of people rather than a structure. Meetings for worship, Schools, Weddings, Funerals, Disaster
relief, Construction, Regional Building Committee, Funding, Maintenance, Gallery, References, External links
A Kingdom Hall in Biddulph, United Kingdom
Kingdom Halls are typically modest, functional structures with practicality in mind.As Witnesses do not use religious
symbols, such are not displayed on or in Kingdom Halls. An annual yeartext, or "theme scripture", which is the same for all
congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, is prominently displayed in each Kingdom Hall. This text can be
displayed in several languages if the Hall is used by foreign language congregations. A Kingdom Hall typically has a
library, contribution boxes, and a literature counter, where publications are displayed, stored and dispensed.
Some Kingdom Halls have multiple auditoriums to allow more than one congregation to simultaneously conduct meetings.
Where there is more than one auditorium, each auditorium or the entire structure may both be referred to as "a Kingdom
Hall". Larger Assembly Halls or Convention Centers of Jehovah's Witnesses, or any rented arena or stadium used for
larger gatherings of Jehovah's Witnesses are also regarded 'as a large Kingdom Hall'; undignified behavior is considered
inappropriate during their religious events, even if the facility is an entertainment venue.
Worship at a Kingdom Hall in Portugal
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses practices
Congregations typically meet in their Kingdom Halls two days each week for meetings for worship.[10] Meetings usually
open and close with song and prayer. Meetings held in the Kingdom Hall include Bible readings, public talks on matters
such as the Bible, family life, Christian qualities and prophecy, as well as discussion of specially-prepared study articles in
The Watchtower magazine and other publications of Jehovah's Witnesses. Witnesses also meet in Kingdom Halls for
preparation and prayer before engaging in their door-to-door ministry.
[Worship at a Kingdom Hall in Tilburg, Netherlands
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses teaching programs
Among its meetings for worship, each congregation conducts a weekly Theocratic Ministry School with a common global
curriculum[16] (exceptions are made for the availability of study materials). Kingdom Halls may also be used for any of
several occasionally scheduled schools, such as sign- or foreign-language classes. Kingdom Halls may also be used for
schools especially developed for particular ranks, such as the Pioneer Service School for full-time preachers, and the
Kingdom Ministry School for elders and ministerial servants.
In areas where the literacy rate is low, congregations may also arrange to use Kingdom Halls to conduct literacy or
reading classes, which non-Witnesses may also attend.
Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses, Students,
Weddings
Kingdom Halls may be used for wedding ceremonies of Witness-baptized couples, or of an unbaptized bride and groom
simultaneously approaching baptism as Jehovah's Witnesses. A couple sends a request in writing to the congregation's
"service committee", which assesses whether the couple is "in good standing, living in harmony with Bible principles and
Jehovah’s righteous standards" and that they also approve of the members of the couple's wedding party (that is,
groomsmen and bridesmaids).
Jehovah's Witnesses attach no special significance to a Kingdom Hall wedding over a secular service, and Witness
couples may choose to be married elsewhere for personal or practical reasons. Kingdom Halls are not used for wedding
receptions or other social events.
Funerals
Funeral services may be held in a Kingdom Hall if the body of elders considers that "the deceased had a clean reputation
and was a member of the congregation or the minor child of a member". The family of the deceased may ask any
respected male member of the congregation to conduct the service, which involves a simple Bible-based discourse.[24]
Depending on family preference and local custom, a Kingdom Hall funeral may or may not have the casketed deceased
present.
Disaster relief
Disaster relief efforts of Jehovah's Witnesses are typically channeled through permanent local Disaster Relief Committees
under the various branch offices, and are staged at Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls as close as practical to the
disaster area. Major disaster relief efforts include:
War: During the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, a Kingdom Hall property in Goma (then Zaire, now Democratic Republic of
the Congo) housed 1600 Witness and non-Witness refugees. In July 1994, relief workers set up a 60-bed relief hospital
at the Kingdom Hall, as well as a water treatment system.
Earthquake: Following the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995, six Kingdom Halls in Kobe, Japan were used as relief
centers and supply depots.
Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, an Assembly Hall and three Kingdom Halls in Haiti were staffed and equipped as
temporary clinics and medical centers. Storm: In the ten months following Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, seven Kingdom
Halls were used as relief centers to dispatch volunteer crews and to store tools and materials while they organized 11,700
volunteers to repair or rebuild 723 homes.
For over two years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Kingdom Halls were used as relief centers, warehouses,
and fuel depots. Nearly 17,000 Witness volunteers repaired more than 5,600 homes and 90 Kingdom Halls during their
extended relief effort in the United States' Gulf Coast region. Volcano: On January 18, 2002, the day after the eruption of
Mount Nyiragongo, six Kingdom Halls in the vicinity received three tons of basic necessities and housed 1800 refugees.
One week later, these relief centers were providing daily rations to 5000 people.
Franklin Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, for a building in Hawaii. Rutherford's reasoning was that
these buildings would be used for preaching the "good news of the Kingdom." Jehovah's Witnesses use Kingdom Halls for
the majority of their worship and Bible instruction.
Witnesses prefer the term "Kingdom Hall" over "church", noting that the term often translated "church" in the Bible refers
to the congregation of people rather than a structure. Meetings for worship, Schools, Weddings, Funerals, Disaster
relief, Construction, Regional Building Committee, Funding, Maintenance, Gallery, References, External links
A Kingdom Hall in Biddulph, United Kingdom
Kingdom Halls are typically modest, functional structures with practicality in mind.As Witnesses do not use religious
symbols, such are not displayed on or in Kingdom Halls. An annual yeartext, or "theme scripture", which is the same for all
congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses worldwide, is prominently displayed in each Kingdom Hall. This text can be
displayed in several languages if the Hall is used by foreign language congregations. A Kingdom Hall typically has a
library, contribution boxes, and a literature counter, where publications are displayed, stored and dispensed.
Some Kingdom Halls have multiple auditoriums to allow more than one congregation to simultaneously conduct meetings.
Where there is more than one auditorium, each auditorium or the entire structure may both be referred to as "a Kingdom
Hall". Larger Assembly Halls or Convention Centers of Jehovah's Witnesses, or any rented arena or stadium used for
larger gatherings of Jehovah's Witnesses are also regarded 'as a large Kingdom Hall'; undignified behavior is considered
inappropriate during their religious events, even if the facility is an entertainment venue.
Worship at a Kingdom Hall in Portugal
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses practices
Congregations typically meet in their Kingdom Halls two days each week for meetings for worship.[10] Meetings usually
open and close with song and prayer. Meetings held in the Kingdom Hall include Bible readings, public talks on matters
such as the Bible, family life, Christian qualities and prophecy, as well as discussion of specially-prepared study articles in
The Watchtower magazine and other publications of Jehovah's Witnesses. Witnesses also meet in Kingdom Halls for
preparation and prayer before engaging in their door-to-door ministry.
[Worship at a Kingdom Hall in Tilburg, Netherlands
Main article: Jehovah's Witnesses teaching programs
Among its meetings for worship, each congregation conducts a weekly Theocratic Ministry School with a common global
curriculum[16] (exceptions are made for the availability of study materials). Kingdom Halls may also be used for any of
several occasionally scheduled schools, such as sign- or foreign-language classes. Kingdom Halls may also be used for
schools especially developed for particular ranks, such as the Pioneer Service School for full-time preachers, and the
Kingdom Ministry School for elders and ministerial servants.
In areas where the literacy rate is low, congregations may also arrange to use Kingdom Halls to conduct literacy or
reading classes, which non-Witnesses may also attend.
Organizational structure of Jehovah's Witnesses, Students,
Weddings
Kingdom Halls may be used for wedding ceremonies of Witness-baptized couples, or of an unbaptized bride and groom
simultaneously approaching baptism as Jehovah's Witnesses. A couple sends a request in writing to the congregation's
"service committee", which assesses whether the couple is "in good standing, living in harmony with Bible principles and
Jehovah’s righteous standards" and that they also approve of the members of the couple's wedding party (that is,
groomsmen and bridesmaids).
Jehovah's Witnesses attach no special significance to a Kingdom Hall wedding over a secular service, and Witness
couples may choose to be married elsewhere for personal or practical reasons. Kingdom Halls are not used for wedding
receptions or other social events.
Funerals
Funeral services may be held in a Kingdom Hall if the body of elders considers that "the deceased had a clean reputation
and was a member of the congregation or the minor child of a member". The family of the deceased may ask any
respected male member of the congregation to conduct the service, which involves a simple Bible-based discourse.[24]
Depending on family preference and local custom, a Kingdom Hall funeral may or may not have the casketed deceased
present.
Disaster relief
Disaster relief efforts of Jehovah's Witnesses are typically channeled through permanent local Disaster Relief Committees
under the various branch offices, and are staged at Kingdom Halls and Assembly Halls as close as practical to the
disaster area. Major disaster relief efforts include:
War: During the Rwandan Genocide in 1994, a Kingdom Hall property in Goma (then Zaire, now Democratic Republic of
the Congo) housed 1600 Witness and non-Witness refugees. In July 1994, relief workers set up a 60-bed relief hospital
at the Kingdom Hall, as well as a water treatment system.
Earthquake: Following the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995, six Kingdom Halls in Kobe, Japan were used as relief
centers and supply depots.
Following the 2010 Haiti earthquake, an Assembly Hall and three Kingdom Halls in Haiti were staffed and equipped as
temporary clinics and medical centers. Storm: In the ten months following Tropical Storm Allison in 2001, seven Kingdom
Halls were used as relief centers to dispatch volunteer crews and to store tools and materials while they organized 11,700
volunteers to repair or rebuild 723 homes.
For over two years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005, Kingdom Halls were used as relief centers, warehouses,
and fuel depots. Nearly 17,000 Witness volunteers repaired more than 5,600 homes and 90 Kingdom Halls during their
extended relief effort in the United States' Gulf Coast region. Volcano: On January 18, 2002, the day after the eruption of
Mount Nyiragongo, six Kingdom Halls in the vicinity received three tons of basic necessities and housed 1800 refugees.
One week later, these relief centers were providing daily rations to 5000 people.
1.^ Jehovah's Witnesses – Proclaimers of God's Kingdom chap. 20 p. 319, 721
2.^ Jehovah's Witnesses – Proclaimers of God's Kingdom chap. 20 p. 319 Building Together on a Global Scale
3.^ "Should We Go to Christian Meetings?", Awake!, March 8, 2001, page 12
4.^ Organized to Do Jehovah's Will p.120-123 (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 2005)
5.^ Texas Monthly magazine, July 1980, page 136,138, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, "A Witness house of worship is called a Kingdom Hall. ...Appropriate to the
movement's rejection of pomp and display, the [particular Hall visited by the writer], shared with two other congregations, resembled the meeting room of a budget
motel, complete with rows of stackable chairs. The lone feature that marked it as a room devoted to religion was a sign, affixed to a plain wooden canopy over the
speaker's stand, that bore the entreaty, "And now, Jehovah . . . grant your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness." The congregation of approximately
75 included admirably equal portions of blacks, whites, and Mexican Americans, a not uncommon manifestation of ethnic ecumenicity in Witness circles."
6.^ "Question Box", Our Kingdom Ministry, December 1976, page 4, "It is recommended that the yeartext be displayed in the Kingdom Hall in countries where this can
be done without difficulties resulting. ...Often it is best to display the yeartext at the front or side of the hall so it can be seen easily."
7.^ “To the House of Jehovah Let Us Go”, Our Kingdom Ministry, April 1993, page 4
8.^ "Bible-based Society of Kingdom Witnesses", The Watchtower, October 15, 1962, page 631
9.^ "Maintain Fine Conduct That Glorifies God", Our Kingdom Ministry, May 2000, page 6
10.^ Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will, ©2005 Watch Tower, page 138
11.^ "Mother of Jackson Family Tells All" by Katherine Jackson, Ebony magazine, October 1990, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 66, "I also wish that my children will
draw closer to Jehovah. I'm not worried about Rebbie...But Randy and Janet attend Kingdom Hall only occasionally, and Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, and LaToya not at all"
12.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", World Religions in America: An Introduction by Jacob Neusner, ©2003, Westminster John Knox Press, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page
197
13.^ Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry, ©1983,1989 Watch Tower, page 131
14.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", Britannica Encyclopedia of World Religions by Wendy Doniger (editor), ©2006, in association with Merriam-Webster, As Retrieved 2009-
08-18, page 563
15.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", World Religions: An Introduction for Students by Jeaneane D. Fowler, ©1997, Sussex Academic Press, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page
122
16.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", Encyclopedia of Millennialism and Millennial Movements by Richard Allen Landes, Berkshire Reference Works (Firm), ©2000,
Routledge, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 203, "One can visit a "Kingdom Hall" (a technical term for the building at which Witness meetings are held) in Australia,
Japan, Zambia, or North Carolina with the realistic expectation that congregational meetings will exhibit a high degree of uniformity in content and procedure."
17.^ "Highlights of the Past Year", 2007 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, pages 6, 15-18
18.^ "Imitate the Greatest Missionary", The Watchtower, February 15, 2008, page 18
19.^ 1986 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. p. 226.
20.^ "Question Box", Our Kingdom Ministry, November 2008, page 3
21.^ "Marriage Ceremony and Requirements", The Watchtower, September 15, 1956, page 571
22.^ How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook by Stuart M. Matlins, Arthur J. Magida (editors), ©2004, Skylight Paths Publishing, As
Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 128-129, "Marriage Ceremony Jehovah's Witnesses view marriage as a sacred vow made before God. ...The marriage ceremony, which
may last about 30 minutes, is a ceremony in itself. ...Appropriate Attire Men" A jacket and tie. No head covering is required. Women: A dress or a skirt and blouse.
Dress "modestly" and "sensibly". Hems need not reach below the knees nor must clothing cover the arms. Open-toed shoes and modest jewelry are permissible. No
head covering is required. There are no rules regarding colors of clothing. ...After the Ceremony Is there usually a reception after the ceremony? Yes. It may be held
in homes or a catering hall. It is never held in the Kingdom Hall where the wedding took place."
23.^ a b "Question Box", Our Kingdom Ministry, March 1997, page 7
24.^ "Is Your Course of Life Death-Oriented?", The Watchtower, June 1, 1978, page 7
25.^ How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook by Stuart M. Matlins, Arthur J. Magida (editors), ©2004, Skylight Paths Publishing, As
Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 129, "Funerals and Mourning Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the dead are "conscious of nothing at all" and are asleep in the grave
awaiting resurrection to life. ...The funeral service, which is a ceremony in itself, may last about 15 to 30 minutes. ...Where will the ceremony take place? Either at a
Kingdom Hall or in a funeral home. ...Will there be an open casket? Possibly. This depends on the preference of the immediate family."
26.^ "Volunteers continue Katrina disaster relief work" by David J. Bush, Salisbury Post, September 1, 2007, page F0
27.^ "Caring for Victims of Rwanda’s Tragedy", Awake!, December 22, 1994, page 15
28.^ "Volunteers at Work", Awake!, July 22, 2001, page 8
29.^ "Love Toward Those ‘Related in the Faith’", The Watchtower, June 15, 1999, page 8
30.^ "Japan", 1998 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, page 143
31.^ "Witnesses’ relief efforts in Haiti continue", Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site, January 28, 2010, As Retrieved 2010-02-22
32.^ "A Doctor Heads Home to Haiti" by Lionel J. Malebranche, MD, Annals of Internal Medicine, February 18, 2010
33.^ "Love in Action—A Marathon Relief Effort", Awake!, November 22, 2002, page 22
34.^ "A Love More Powerful Than a Hurricane!", Awake!, August 2008, page 16
35.^ "How We Escaped a Terrifying Lava Flow!", Awake!, November 8, 2002, pages 24-25
36.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", The Encyclopedia of Louisville by John E. Kleber, ©2000, University Press of Kentucky, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 444, "Jehovah's
Witnesses are well known in the Greater Louisville area, having been a part of "Kentucky sod" since the late 1800s. ...From 1947 to 1970 ten more Kingdom Halls
were constructed in Louisville, all by volunteer labor."
37.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", World Religions 101: An Overview for Teens by Margaret O. Hyde, Emily G. Hyde, ©2008, Twenty-First Century Books, As Retrieved
2009-08-18, page 91-92
38.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", Religion in the contemporary world: a sociological introduction by Alan E. Aldridge, ©2000, Polity Press, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page
116-117, "Witnesses are extremely well organized. ...One particular way in which the [Watch Tower] society mobilizes its members is to build their places for worship
and assembly, the Kingdom Halls. A 'rapid-building crew' of Witness volunteers can erect a functional but well-built Kingdom Hall in a weekend."
39.^ Holbrook by Holbrook Historical Society, ©2004, Arcadia Publishing, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 63, "The Kingdom Hall. Shown here is the Kingdom Hall of
Jehovah's Witnesses on North Franklin Street. This hall was built by the membership in one weekend."
40.^ New York: The Movie Lover's Guide : The Ultimate Insider Tour of Movie New York by Richard Alleman, ©2005, Broadway, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 416,
"Albemarle Theater, 973 Flatbush Avenue. Just like the old Stanley Theater in Jersey City, Brooklyn's 2,700-seat Albemarle movie palace later served as a Kingdom
Hall for the Jehovah's Witnesses."
41.^ From Abyssinian to Zion: A Guide to Manhattan's Houses of Worship by David W. Dunlap, ©2004, Columbia University Press, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page
2.^ Jehovah's Witnesses – Proclaimers of God's Kingdom chap. 20 p. 319 Building Together on a Global Scale
3.^ "Should We Go to Christian Meetings?", Awake!, March 8, 2001, page 12
4.^ Organized to Do Jehovah's Will p.120-123 (Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, 2005)
5.^ Texas Monthly magazine, July 1980, page 136,138, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, "A Witness house of worship is called a Kingdom Hall. ...Appropriate to the
movement's rejection of pomp and display, the [particular Hall visited by the writer], shared with two other congregations, resembled the meeting room of a budget
motel, complete with rows of stackable chairs. The lone feature that marked it as a room devoted to religion was a sign, affixed to a plain wooden canopy over the
speaker's stand, that bore the entreaty, "And now, Jehovah . . . grant your slaves to keep speaking your word with all boldness." The congregation of approximately
75 included admirably equal portions of blacks, whites, and Mexican Americans, a not uncommon manifestation of ethnic ecumenicity in Witness circles."
6.^ "Question Box", Our Kingdom Ministry, December 1976, page 4, "It is recommended that the yeartext be displayed in the Kingdom Hall in countries where this can
be done without difficulties resulting. ...Often it is best to display the yeartext at the front or side of the hall so it can be seen easily."
7.^ “To the House of Jehovah Let Us Go”, Our Kingdom Ministry, April 1993, page 4
8.^ "Bible-based Society of Kingdom Witnesses", The Watchtower, October 15, 1962, page 631
9.^ "Maintain Fine Conduct That Glorifies God", Our Kingdom Ministry, May 2000, page 6
10.^ Organized to Do Jehovah’s Will, ©2005 Watch Tower, page 138
11.^ "Mother of Jackson Family Tells All" by Katherine Jackson, Ebony magazine, October 1990, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 66, "I also wish that my children will
draw closer to Jehovah. I'm not worried about Rebbie...But Randy and Janet attend Kingdom Hall only occasionally, and Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, and LaToya not at all"
12.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", World Religions in America: An Introduction by Jacob Neusner, ©2003, Westminster John Knox Press, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page
197
13.^ Organized to Accomplish Our Ministry, ©1983,1989 Watch Tower, page 131
14.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", Britannica Encyclopedia of World Religions by Wendy Doniger (editor), ©2006, in association with Merriam-Webster, As Retrieved 2009-
08-18, page 563
15.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", World Religions: An Introduction for Students by Jeaneane D. Fowler, ©1997, Sussex Academic Press, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page
122
16.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", Encyclopedia of Millennialism and Millennial Movements by Richard Allen Landes, Berkshire Reference Works (Firm), ©2000,
Routledge, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 203, "One can visit a "Kingdom Hall" (a technical term for the building at which Witness meetings are held) in Australia,
Japan, Zambia, or North Carolina with the realistic expectation that congregational meetings will exhibit a high degree of uniformity in content and procedure."
17.^ "Highlights of the Past Year", 2007 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, pages 6, 15-18
18.^ "Imitate the Greatest Missionary", The Watchtower, February 15, 2008, page 18
19.^ 1986 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses. p. 226.
20.^ "Question Box", Our Kingdom Ministry, November 2008, page 3
21.^ "Marriage Ceremony and Requirements", The Watchtower, September 15, 1956, page 571
22.^ How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook by Stuart M. Matlins, Arthur J. Magida (editors), ©2004, Skylight Paths Publishing, As
Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 128-129, "Marriage Ceremony Jehovah's Witnesses view marriage as a sacred vow made before God. ...The marriage ceremony, which
may last about 30 minutes, is a ceremony in itself. ...Appropriate Attire Men" A jacket and tie. No head covering is required. Women: A dress or a skirt and blouse.
Dress "modestly" and "sensibly". Hems need not reach below the knees nor must clothing cover the arms. Open-toed shoes and modest jewelry are permissible. No
head covering is required. There are no rules regarding colors of clothing. ...After the Ceremony Is there usually a reception after the ceremony? Yes. It may be held
in homes or a catering hall. It is never held in the Kingdom Hall where the wedding took place."
23.^ a b "Question Box", Our Kingdom Ministry, March 1997, page 7
24.^ "Is Your Course of Life Death-Oriented?", The Watchtower, June 1, 1978, page 7
25.^ How to Be a Perfect Stranger: The Essential Religious Etiquette Handbook by Stuart M. Matlins, Arthur J. Magida (editors), ©2004, Skylight Paths Publishing, As
Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 129, "Funerals and Mourning Jehovah's Witnesses believe that the dead are "conscious of nothing at all" and are asleep in the grave
awaiting resurrection to life. ...The funeral service, which is a ceremony in itself, may last about 15 to 30 minutes. ...Where will the ceremony take place? Either at a
Kingdom Hall or in a funeral home. ...Will there be an open casket? Possibly. This depends on the preference of the immediate family."
26.^ "Volunteers continue Katrina disaster relief work" by David J. Bush, Salisbury Post, September 1, 2007, page F0
27.^ "Caring for Victims of Rwanda’s Tragedy", Awake!, December 22, 1994, page 15
28.^ "Volunteers at Work", Awake!, July 22, 2001, page 8
29.^ "Love Toward Those ‘Related in the Faith’", The Watchtower, June 15, 1999, page 8
30.^ "Japan", 1998 Yearbook of Jehovah's Witnesses, page 143
31.^ "Witnesses’ relief efforts in Haiti continue", Jehovah's Witnesses Official Media Web Site, January 28, 2010, As Retrieved 2010-02-22
32.^ "A Doctor Heads Home to Haiti" by Lionel J. Malebranche, MD, Annals of Internal Medicine, February 18, 2010
33.^ "Love in Action—A Marathon Relief Effort", Awake!, November 22, 2002, page 22
34.^ "A Love More Powerful Than a Hurricane!", Awake!, August 2008, page 16
35.^ "How We Escaped a Terrifying Lava Flow!", Awake!, November 8, 2002, pages 24-25
36.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", The Encyclopedia of Louisville by John E. Kleber, ©2000, University Press of Kentucky, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 444, "Jehovah's
Witnesses are well known in the Greater Louisville area, having been a part of "Kentucky sod" since the late 1800s. ...From 1947 to 1970 ten more Kingdom Halls
were constructed in Louisville, all by volunteer labor."
37.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", World Religions 101: An Overview for Teens by Margaret O. Hyde, Emily G. Hyde, ©2008, Twenty-First Century Books, As Retrieved
2009-08-18, page 91-92
38.^ "Jehovah's Witnesses", Religion in the contemporary world: a sociological introduction by Alan E. Aldridge, ©2000, Polity Press, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page
116-117, "Witnesses are extremely well organized. ...One particular way in which the [Watch Tower] society mobilizes its members is to build their places for worship
and assembly, the Kingdom Halls. A 'rapid-building crew' of Witness volunteers can erect a functional but well-built Kingdom Hall in a weekend."
39.^ Holbrook by Holbrook Historical Society, ©2004, Arcadia Publishing, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 63, "The Kingdom Hall. Shown here is the Kingdom Hall of
Jehovah's Witnesses on North Franklin Street. This hall was built by the membership in one weekend."
40.^ New York: The Movie Lover's Guide : The Ultimate Insider Tour of Movie New York by Richard Alleman, ©2005, Broadway, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page 416,
"Albemarle Theater, 973 Flatbush Avenue. Just like the old Stanley Theater in Jersey City, Brooklyn's 2,700-seat Albemarle movie palace later served as a Kingdom
Hall for the Jehovah's Witnesses."
41.^ From Abyssinian to Zion: A Guide to Manhattan's Houses of Worship by David W. Dunlap, ©2004, Columbia University Press, As Retrieved 2009-08-18, page
| We are dedicated to helping protect Jehovah Witness children from sexual abuse and to fight against the cover up of sexual abuse. We are investigating a particularly egregious case that has been reported to us involving three local congregations of Jehovah Witnesses in Bloomington, Bedford, and Mitchell, Indiana. Please help to inform the ministers (elders) of these congregations that they have a legal duty to report child sexual abuse to local law enforcement agencies! |
We wish to thank all of the Christian
churches and other non-profit
organizations in Indiana and elsewhere
that are helping with our campaign.
churches and other non-profit
organizations in Indiana and elsewhere
that are helping with our campaign.
Construction
The construction crews of Kingdom Halls and larger Assembly Halls consist of volunteering Jehovah's Witnesses, sometimes from other countries, who have been
pre-approved for work on construction sites.
In many countries, a number of standard designs of construction are used that can be built in just a few days. The act of constructing a Kingdom Hall in this manner is
called a quick-build, although typically the preparation work involving the structural foundation and surrounding surface may take several weeks prior to the scheduled
build. For various reasons, not all Kingdom Halls are constructed as quick-builds or using the standard designs. There is however, a noticeably dominant architectural
style of the Kingdom Hall which is often used based on standardized design concepts and models, depending on needs.
A Kingdom Hall or Assembly Hall may be created by renovating an existing structure, such as a theater or non-Witness house of worship. In areas of repeated or
reputed vandalism, particularly in cities, some Kingdom Hall are built without windows to reduce the risk of property damage.
Regional Building Committee
Jehovah's Witnesses' branch offices appoint local Regional Building Committees (RBC) to oversee the construction and maintenance of their places of worship. The
objective of such committees, which usually consist of five to seven persons, often with experience in the construction trades, is to coordinate the efforts of those
involved so as to provide attractive and functional facilities that are financially viable.
RBCs cooperate with local congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses seeking to build or renovate a place of worship, under the direction of the local branch office.
Committees help in assessing the suitability of a possible construction site, purchasing the land and materials and coordinating the efforts of volunteers from the wider
area. The work of the Regional Building Committees has made it possible for Jehovah's Witnesses to build or renovate Kingdom Halls in a very short time, sometimes
as little as two days, although typically the preparation work involving the structural foundation and surrounding surface may take several weeks prior to the scheduled
build. Members of a Regional Building Committee work voluntarily and receive no remuneration for their work.
[edit] Funding
In 1983, an arrangement was instituted whereby Kingdom Halls are financed by loans from the Watch Tower Society. In addition to contribution boxes for local
congregation expenses and "the worldwide work", each congregation has a contribution box specifically for voluntary donations toward Kingdom Hall
construction.[43][44] These donations are pooled by the Watch Tower Society into the Society Kingdom Hall Fund, which is used for financing the construction of
Kingdom Halls worldwide, particularly in developing lands. When a congregation receives local approval to build a new Kingdom Hall, the congregation may apply for a
loan from the Society Kingdom Hall Fund. The congregation repays the loan to the Watch Tower Society with nominal interest, in addition to its continued contributions
to the Kingdom Hall Fund.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance of Kingdom Halls is performed by the members of the congregations that use them, typically according to a scheduled checklist.[49] The
"Kingdom Hall operating committee" oversees maintenance of the building; at least one elder or ministerial servant from each congregation is selected to be part of
the operating committee.[50] Kingdom Hall maintenance costs are covered by donations to a local fund.[51]
Gallery
The construction crews of Kingdom Halls and larger Assembly Halls consist of volunteering Jehovah's Witnesses, sometimes from other countries, who have been
pre-approved for work on construction sites.
In many countries, a number of standard designs of construction are used that can be built in just a few days. The act of constructing a Kingdom Hall in this manner is
called a quick-build, although typically the preparation work involving the structural foundation and surrounding surface may take several weeks prior to the scheduled
build. For various reasons, not all Kingdom Halls are constructed as quick-builds or using the standard designs. There is however, a noticeably dominant architectural
style of the Kingdom Hall which is often used based on standardized design concepts and models, depending on needs.
A Kingdom Hall or Assembly Hall may be created by renovating an existing structure, such as a theater or non-Witness house of worship. In areas of repeated or
reputed vandalism, particularly in cities, some Kingdom Hall are built without windows to reduce the risk of property damage.
Regional Building Committee
Jehovah's Witnesses' branch offices appoint local Regional Building Committees (RBC) to oversee the construction and maintenance of their places of worship. The
objective of such committees, which usually consist of five to seven persons, often with experience in the construction trades, is to coordinate the efforts of those
involved so as to provide attractive and functional facilities that are financially viable.
RBCs cooperate with local congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses seeking to build or renovate a place of worship, under the direction of the local branch office.
Committees help in assessing the suitability of a possible construction site, purchasing the land and materials and coordinating the efforts of volunteers from the wider
area. The work of the Regional Building Committees has made it possible for Jehovah's Witnesses to build or renovate Kingdom Halls in a very short time, sometimes
as little as two days, although typically the preparation work involving the structural foundation and surrounding surface may take several weeks prior to the scheduled
build. Members of a Regional Building Committee work voluntarily and receive no remuneration for their work.
[edit] Funding
In 1983, an arrangement was instituted whereby Kingdom Halls are financed by loans from the Watch Tower Society. In addition to contribution boxes for local
congregation expenses and "the worldwide work", each congregation has a contribution box specifically for voluntary donations toward Kingdom Hall
construction.[43][44] These donations are pooled by the Watch Tower Society into the Society Kingdom Hall Fund, which is used for financing the construction of
Kingdom Halls worldwide, particularly in developing lands. When a congregation receives local approval to build a new Kingdom Hall, the congregation may apply for a
loan from the Society Kingdom Hall Fund. The congregation repays the loan to the Watch Tower Society with nominal interest, in addition to its continued contributions
to the Kingdom Hall Fund.
Maintenance
Routine maintenance of Kingdom Halls is performed by the members of the congregations that use them, typically according to a scheduled checklist.[49] The
"Kingdom Hall operating committee" oversees maintenance of the building; at least one elder or ministerial servant from each congregation is selected to be part of
the operating committee.[50] Kingdom Hall maintenance costs are covered by donations to a local fund.[51]
Gallery
Please Scroll Down the Page for Kingdom Hall Location and Meeting Time Information in Your Area!
+ 1 to send you warm greetings to the friends all over the world! |
| Dear Brother or Sister, If you have any comments or suggestions concerning this web site, please send them to Chuck Davis at Superior Small Engines, 8835 State Road 60 W, Mitchell, Indiana 47446-7547. Or please feel free to call Charles at 812-849-9944 if you think this site is inaccurate. Or if you would like to defend the Witnesses from these allegations, write to: Chuck@superiorsmallengines.com (Please witness to Chuck by email, let him know the truth about Jehovah's organization!) |